USCIS is now destroying Permanent Resident Cards, Employment Authorization Cards and Travel Documents returned as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service after 60 business days if USCIS is not contacted by the document’s intended recipient to provide the correct address.
Starting April 2, 2018, recipients who fail to report a change of address to USCIS may miss their opportunity in becoming Permanent Residents or lose their rights to legally work in the USA if their cards get destroyed.
USCIS encourages applicants to report a change of address within 10 days of relocation using the procedures outlined below.
If you already submitted a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and your case is pending with USCIS, go to this page for more information on checking your case status, updating your address, and making appointments with USCIS.
How to Track Delivery of Your Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and Travel Document
- Sign up for a Case Status Online account to get automatic case updates, including your U.S. Postal Service (USPS) tracking number when USCIS mails your card or travel document.
- Register for Informed Delivery through USPS to get daily images of mail being sent to you. With Informed Delivery, you can:
- Automatically track the packages you’re expecting
- Set up email and text alerts
- Enter USPS Delivery Instructions™ for your mail carrier
If your USPS tracking information shows your package was delivered but you have not received it, contact your local post office immediately. Remember, USCIS will mail your card or travel document to the address you provided on your application (unless you told them to mail it your representative on Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative).
If your mailing address changes after you file your application, you must update your address with USCIS and USPS as soon as possible. USCIS recommends you use the USPS Look Up a ZIP Code tool to ensure that you give USCIS your full address using the standard abbreviations and formatting recognized by USPS.
If you don’t update your address promptly, your case could be delayed, your document(s) could get lost, and you may need to reapply and pay the fee again.
Source: USCIS
